Pitching training tool

ABSTRACT

A pitching training tool includes: a hollow ball; a shaft; and a wing. The shaft has one end attached to the ball, and another end attached to the wing. The ball and the wing are spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than a sum of a diameter of the ball and a length of the wing with the shaft interposed between the ball and the wing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a pitching training tool.

BACKGROUND ART

Pitching motion is the most basic motion in baseball and softball, for example. Pitching motion is essential not only for pitching by a pitcher, but also for plays in baseball and softball, for example, including the processing of a hit ball and throwing between bases by a fielder. Accordingly, a pitching form greatly influences the accurate control and carry of a ball.

As training tools for improving a pitching form, the following inventions were made to reproduce the swinging of an arm in an actual pitching motion and the load in the motion. Document 1 suggests swinging a bar-like tool with a meter for measuring the number of rotations built in. Document 2 suggests “shadow pitching” using a ball sewn to a glove.

CITATION LIST Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.     2001-218881 -   Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.     2012-239537

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problems

In the inventions including those described above, there is a concern that a player fails to get a feel for actually releasing a ball and to throw a ball as intended after the shift to pitching training using the actual ball.

Under such circumstances, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a pitching training tool that allows a player to train for an ideal pitching form and get a feel for actually releasing a ball.

Solution to the Problems

In order to achieve the object, a pitching training tool according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a hollow ball; a shaft; and a wing. The shaft has one end attached to the ball, and another end attached to the wing. The ball and the wing are spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than a sum of a diameter of the ball and a length of the wing with the shaft interposed between the ball and the wing.

A pitching training tool according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a hollow ball; a shaft; and a wing. The shaft has one end attached to the ball, and another end attached to the wing. The shaft has a length within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm.

Advantages of the Invention

The present disclosure provides a pitching training tool that allows a player to train for an ideal pitching form and get a feel for actually releasing a ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a pitching training tool according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates different uses of the pitching training tool: Specifically, portion (a) shows a use in pitching training by a fielder, and portion (b) shows a use in pitching training by a pitcher.

FIG. 3 illustrates a use of the pitching training tool according to the present disclosure in a pitching motion by a fielder.

FIG. 4 illustrates a use of the pitching training tool according to the present disclosure in a pitching motion by a pitcher.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Now, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The following description of a preferred embodiment is a mere example in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or uses.

Now, a pitching training tool according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , a pitching training tool 1 includes a shaft 3, a ball 2, and wings (fins, feathers) 4. The shaft 3 is an elongated cylindrical bar has a length L3a of about 50 cm. The ball 2 is attached to one end of the shaft 3. The wings 4 are attached to the other end of the shaft 3. In this specification, the length L3a of the shaft 3 extends in an axial direction X (hereinafter also simply referred to as “direction X”) of the shaft 3, and means a length (overall length) including mounts for the ball 2 and the wings 4.

The ball 2 is, for example, a soft and light ball (with a weight of about 20 g) for training and is a hollow sphere with a diameter D2 of about 72 mm. In this manner, with the use of the hollow ball 2, the pitching training tool 1 has a lower weight and limits a longer carry.

The ball 2 has 27 through-holes 2 a on the surface. These through-holes 2 a penetrate the surface of the ball 2 to the hollow of the ball 2 and open throughout the entire surface of the ball 2. This further reduces the weight of the ball 2 to further reduce the carry of the ball 2 even if thrown with full power, which reduces far flight of the pitching training tool 1 in pitching training, that is, further limits the carry of the pitching training tool 1.

The through-holes 2 a are in a size of about 11 mm, whereas the shaft 3 is in a size of about 6 mm. The ball 2 has, at both ends of the diameter D2, poles to which fasteners 5,5 are attached to fix the ball 2 to the one end of the shaft 3 such that the shaft 3 does not fall out, when the shaft 3 is inserted into the through-holes 2 a. Accordingly, the ball 2 and the shaft 3 are integrated, which improves the stability of the pitching training tool 1 at the time of pitching. As a result, the advantages of the pitching training tool 1 described above further increase.

The fasteners 5 are obtained by cutting a silicon tube into pieces of about 3 cm. Once the shaft 3 is inserted into the through-holes 2 a at the poles of the ball 2 and then into the ball 2 via the fasteners 5, friction occurs between the resin shaft 3 made of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the fasteners 5 made of the silicon. This reduces the fall-off of the shaft 3 from the fasteners 5.

As described above, the shaft 3 has one end attached to the ball 2 and the other end attached to, and surrounded by, the wings 4 like feathers that are attached to an arrow for use in the Kyudo (Japanese archery), for example. In this embodiment, a thin plate made of a urethane resin are cut out into two. These two feather-like plates are crossed to form the four wings 4. In this manner, the wings 4, 4, . . . attached to the shaft 3 so as to be opposed to the ball 2 serve as the wings of an aircraft so that the pitching training tool 1 flies straight away from a hand without shaking. The wings 4, 4, . . . may be attached to the shaft 3 from the front end (the end closer to the ball 2 in the direction X in FIG. 1 ) to the rear end or to an intermediate point (i.e., between the front and rear ends).

The pitching training tool 1 assembled in this manner includes the ball 2 and the wings 4 spaced apart from each other by a length (i.e., the total length D2+L4) equal to or greater than the sum of the diameter D2 of the ball 2 and the length L4 of the wings 4 (the length of the wings 4 along the axial direction X of the shaft 3) with the shaft 3 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the distance between the ball 2 and the wings 4, that is, the length L3b of the section of the shaft 3 without the ball 2 and the wings 4 (i.e., the length obtained by subtracting (excluding) the mounts of the ball 2 and the wings 4 from the total length L3a of the shaft 3) may be equal to or greater than the total length (i.e., L3b≥(D2+L4)). The length L3b ranges from about 15 cm to about 50 cm (i.e., no less than 15 cm and no more than 50 cm), for example.

The ball 2 and the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other by the total length (D2+L4) or more. Assume that a fielder or a pitcher throws the ball 2 with the wrist of a hand grabbing the ball 2 bent in pitching training in accordance with the grabbing way of the ball 2, which will be described later. At this time, the pitching training tool 1 does not fly straight but lands on the ground immediately. On the other hand, if a fielder or a pitcher throws the ball 2 with the wrist of a hand grabbing the ball 2 unbent and raised sufficiently, the ball 2 flies straight. Accordingly, the fielder or the pitcher gets a feel for actually releasing the ball, more specifically, for raising the wrist, when releasing the ball. As a result, training for an ideal pitching form is possible. At a longer distance (i.e., a longer length L3b) between the ball 2 and the wings 4, the pitching training tool 1 is difficult to fly and thus suitable for advanced players.

The center of gravity of the pitching training tool 1 is located in an intermediate portion in direction along the axial direction X of the shaft 3 between the ball 2 and the wings 4 in one preferred embodiment, and closer to the ball 2 than the intermediate portion in one more preferred embodiment.

The materials, shapes, sizes, weights, and other characteristics of the ball 2, the shaft 3, and the wings 4 are not limited to those described above and adjustable as appropriate in accordance with the position of the center of gravity of the pitching training tool 1.

The diameter D2 of the ball 2 may range from about 40 mm to about 100 mm (i.e., no less than 40 mm and no more than 100 mm), and may be selected as appropriate according to the size of the palm of a user. The weight of the ball 2 may range from about 10 g to about 50 g (i.e., no less than 10 g and no more than 50 g). The ball 2 may be made of a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), for example.

The length L3a of the shaft 3 is larger than the sum (i.e., the total length D2+L4) of the diameter D2 of the ball 2 and the length L4 of the wings 4 (i.e., L3a>(D2+L4)). The length L3a ranges from about 30 cm to about 60 cm (i.e., no less than 30 cm and no more than 60 cm), for example. A length L3a of the shaft 3 between 30 cm and 60 cm provides a pitching training tool 1 including the shaft 3 with a length according to the pitching level of the user and useful in a wide range of pitching levels from beginners to advanced players. For example, a preferred length L3a of the shaft 3 falls within a range from about 50 cm to about 60 cm (i.e., no less than 50 cm and no more than 60 cm) when used by an advanced player, and within a range from about 30 cm (inclusive) to about 50 cm (exclusive) (i.e., no less than 30 cm and less than 50 cm) when used by a beginner. Shafts 3 with respective lengths may be prepared in advance so that each player selects a suitable one for use. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 3 is not limited to a circle and may be a polygon such as a quadrangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon. That is, examples of the shaft 3 include a round bar and a polygonal bar such as a rectangular bar and a hexagonal bar. The shaft 3 may have a cross section with a diameter (or the length of a diagonal line in the case of a polygon) within a range from about 4 mm to about 8 mm (i.e., no less than 4 mm and no more than 8 mm).

The size of the wings 4 may be determined as appropriate according to the size, weight, and the other characteristics of the ball 2. For example, the length L4 along the axial direction X of the shaft 3 falls within a range from about 8 cm to about 15 cm (i.e., no less than 8 cm and no more than 15 cm). The largest size of the wings 4 in the direction perpendicular to the direction X is equal to or smaller than the length L4. The wings 4 have a thickness within a range from about 3 mm to about 10 mm (i.e., no less than 3 mm and no more than 10 mm). The total weight of the wings 4 may be equal to or slightly smaller than the weight of the ball 2.

The total weight of the pitching training tool 1 falls within a range from about 40 g to about 90 g (i.e., no less than 40 g and no more than 90 g). The overall length (i.e., total length) L1 of the pitching training tool 1 is equal to or slightly longer than the length L3a of the shaft 3, namely, within a range from about 30 cm to about 70 cm (i.e., no less than 30 cm and no more than 70 cm).

A specific example of the pitching training tool 1 includes the shaft 3 with a length L3a of 50 cm (e.g., for an advanced player), the ball 2 with a diameter D2 of about 72 mm, and the wings 4 with a length L4 of about 12 cm. The shaft 3 has a length L3b of about 35 cm at the section without the ball 2 and the wings 4. That is, the ball 2 and the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than the sum (i.e., D2+L4 of about 19 cm) of the diameter D2 of the ball 2 and the length L4 of the wings 4 with the shaft 3 interposed therebetween. The pitching training tool 1 has an overall length L1 of about 55 cm.

If the length L3a of the shaft 3 is 40 cm (e.g., for a beginner), the diameter D2 of the ball 2 is about 72 mm and the length L4 of the wings 4 is about 12 cm. The shaft 3 has a length L3b of about 25 cm at the section without the ball 2 and the wings 4. That is, the ball 2 and the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than the sum (i.e., D2+L4 of about 19 cm) of the diameter D2 of the ball 2 and the length L4 of the wings 4 with the shaft 3 interposed therebetween. The pitching training tool 1 has an overall length L1 of about 45 cm.

If the length L3a of the shaft 3 is 30 cm (e.g., for a beginner), the diameter D2 of the ball 2 is about 40 mm and the length L4 of the wings 4 is about 8 cm. The shaft 3 has a length L3b of about 18 cm at the section without the ball 2 and the wings 4. That is, the ball 2 and the wings 4 are spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than the sum (i.e., D2+L4 of about 12 cm) of the diameter D2 of the ball 2 and the length L4 of the wings 4 with the shaft 3 interposed therebetween. The pitching training tool 1 has an overall length L1 of about 30 cm.

Next, uses of the pitching training tool 1 will be described. The pitching training tool 1 allows pitching training for a fielder and a pitcher in accordance with the grabbing way of the ball 2.

In pitching training of a fielder, the fielder holds the ball 2 so that the shaft 3 is interposed between the index and middle fingers and located tips of both the fingers when grabbing the ball 2 as shown in portion (a) of FIG. 2 . After that, the fielder takes back and swings the arm holding the ball 2 as in an actual pitching motion. At this time, the fielder tries to swing the shaft 3 attached to the ball 2 like a badminton racket to consciously bring the arm forward from the elbow as shown in portions (a) and (b) of FIG. 3 .

In the training, the fielder may have a pitching motion while holding the ball 2 or may actually throw the ball 2. At this time, as shown in portion (b) of FIG. 3 , the fielder releases the ball 2 when the rotated arm comes slightly forward over the head. At the time of the release, although the shaft 3 faces upward as shown in portion (b) of FIG. 3 , the wings 4 have a speed lower than the ball 2 due to an air resistance. The ball 2 flies ahead of the wings 4 as shown in portions (c) and (d) of FIG. 3 so that the pitching training tool 1 lies down in the air and then lands on the ground.

In pitching training of a pitcher, the pitcher holds the ball 2 as shown in portion (b) of FIG. 2 . Like a fielder, the pitcher holds the ball 2 so that the shaft 3 is interposed between the index and middle fingers. However, the pitcher grabs the ball 2 so that the shaft 3 comes closer to an interdigital web between the index and middle fingers, with the pitching training tool 1 according to the present invention tilted backward at about 90 degrees. Like the pitching motion of a fielder, the pitcher takes back and then moves the arm holding the ball 2 forward from the elbow. The shaft 3 then moves near the temporal region as shown in portions (a) and (b) of FIG. 4 . Immediately before the release, as shown in portion (c) of FIG. 4 , the pitcher pushes out the ball 2 in the pitching direction with balls of the index and middle fingers to apply force with fingertips thereof until immediately before the ball 2 leaves from the hand. This further gives momentum and allows training of throwing a powerful ball.

In this embodiment, the shaft 3 has a length of 50 cm.

In general, the form of swinging the arm forward from the elbow is believed to be an ideal pitching motion, and the form of swinging down the extending arm, that is, what is called “Long Arm” is often corrected. In the pitching training tool 1 configured as described above, the shaft 3 attached to the ball 2 serves as a mark for checking the motion and makes the series of the pitching motion visible from the take-back to the swing-out of the arm. This allows the user to find a problem in an actual pitching motion and to correct the pitching motion to the ideal.

In pitching training of a fielder, the fielder grasps a ball 2 as shown in portion (a) of FIG. 2 . By swinging the arm with the pitching training tool 1 like an overhead stroke with a badminton racket, the fielder swings out the arm from the elbow. This allows a pitching motion closer to the ideal and eventually improves plays.

In pitching training of a pitcher, the pitcher grasps a ball 2 as shown in portion (b) of FIG. 2 . The shaft 3 is approximately parallel to the ground in portions (a) to (c) of FIG. 4 . When the pitcher swings out the arm, the shaft 3 and the wings 4 pass by the head. When switching to the practice of releasing the ball 2, the time when the wings 4 come close to an ear is determined as the time of the release. This allows the pitcher to release the ball 2 just in front of the body. At this time, the pitcher pushes out the ball 2 with fingers for release so as to be conscious of how to apply force on fingertips thereof at the time of release and to train to throw a spinning ball or a ball with weight.

The ball 2 used in the pitching training tool 1 according the present invention is a hollow ball with through-holes 2 a on the surface and a light weight which reduces the carry at the time of throwing. Accordingly, even if being thrown with full power, the pitching training tool 1 does not fly too far, which allows the pitching training with full power even in a narrow training place. In addition, the pitching training tool 1 including the ball 2 is made of a lightweight material and has a relatively low speed when being thrown. Even if the thrown pitching training tool 1 hits a third person, there is a smaller impact which leads to less serious injury.

In the pitching training tool 1 according to the present invention, the length of the shaft 3 is adjusted within a range from 20 cm to 60 cm in accordance with the physical size of the user, and is thus available for a wide range of ages from adults to children. In addition, a player acquires an ideal pitching motion using the present invention, thereby reducing injury in a shoulder or an elbow due to unreasonable pitching and engaging in the sport for a long time.

The pitching training tool 1 according the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. For example, an increase or decrease in the number of wings 4 or a change in the material of each member is possible. The silicon tube is cut into the fasteners 5, which may be replaced with bolts and nuts less likely to come off.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   D2 Diameter of Ball -   L1 Overall Length of Pitching Training Tool -   L3 a Length of Shaft -   L3 b Length of Shaft at Section without Ball and Wings -   L4 Length of Wings -   X Axial Direction of Shaft -   1 Pitching Training Tool -   2 Ball -   2 a Through-Hole -   3 Shaft -   4 Wing 

1. A pitching training tool comprising: a hollow ball; a shaft; and a wing, the shaft having one end attached to the ball, and another end attached to the wing, the ball and the wing being spaced apart from each other by a length equal to or greater than a sum of a diameter of the ball and a length of the wing with the shaft interposed between the ball and the wing, and the shaft being formed in a straight line over its entire length, the one end of the shaft penetrating the ball and being attached to poles that are two ends of the diameter of the ball.
 2. The pitching training tool of claim 1, wherein: the ball has a surface with a through-hole penetrating the surface to the hollow of the ball.
 3. The pitching training tool of claim 1, wherein: the shaft has a length greater than the sum of the diameter of the ball and the length of the wing.
 4. The pitching training tool of claim 1, wherein: the length of the shaft falls within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm.
 5. A pitching training tool comprising: a hollow ball; a shaft; and a wing, the shaft having one end attached to the ball, and another end attached to the wing, the shaft has a length within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm, and the shaft being formed in a straight line over its entire length, the one end of the shaft penetrating the ball and being attached to poles that are two ends of the diameter of the ball.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The pitching training tool of claim 2: the length of the shaft falls within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm.
 8. The pitching training tool of claim 3: the length of the shaft falls within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm.
 9. The pitching training tool of claim 2, wherein: the shaft has a length greater than the sum of the diameter of the ball and the length of the wing.
 10. The pitching training tool of claim 9: the length of the shaft falls within a range from 30 cm to 60 cm. 